LaON powers Korea baseball communications

South Korea:

The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) has implemented an integrated communications network from LaON Technology to support the introduction of its Automatic Ball-Strike System (ABS) across professional baseball venues in South Korea.

The ABS system, which provides automated ball and strike calls, created new operational demands for on-field umpires, who are required to receive real-time audio cues while maintaining communication with replay officials and game operations staff. To address these requirements, KBO sought an intercom solution capable of connecting multiple venues and centralised operations with low-latency audio performance.

Following a proof-of-concept process involving several intercom manufacturers, KBO selected LaON Technology’s GENIE Hybrid IP Intercom System. The deployment links the KBO Replay Center in Seoul with nine stadiums nationwide via a dedicated IP network, creating a unified communications platform for game officials, replay operators and ABS system operators.

The project was designed to support five simultaneous games while operating across complex RF environments typical of large sports venues. Key requirements included reliable wireless communications, integration with ABS audio feeds, remote connectivity between venues and equipment suitable for umpires working on the field.

At the core of the system are LaON’s BS1000 Hybrid Base Stations and GLR4 Line Routers which connect stadium infrastructure and replay operations over dedicated VLAN connections. Desk-based GDP4 keypanels are installed in replay centres, scoring rooms, ABS operation rooms and umpire facilities, providing multichannel communications between officials and operational staff.

For on-field use, umpires are equipped with BP851S wireless beltpacks that deliver ABS audio calls in real time. The beltpacks feature dedicated talk buttons designed to minimise communication errors during live play. Open-ear headsets allow umpires to hear both communications traffic and on-field activity, while an integrated push-to-talk function enables direct access to stadium public address systems for announcing decisions.

The deployment also includes wireless antenna redundancy throughout venues and wired backup communication paths intended to maintain operations in the event of equipment or network failures.

System monitoring and configuration are managed through LaON’s Genie Configuration Manager software, allowing operators to oversee device status and communication routing across the network.

Jong Hwan Lee, president of Dam Systems, which delivered the project, said: “At a historic turning point in baseball marked by the introduction of the ABS, LaON Technology’s successful deployment of the KBO integrated intercom network will serve as a premier blueprint and the ideal architectural standard for sports federations and industries worldwide looking to adopt automated officiating systems.”

Kimasystems was responsible for the proof of concept, systems design, installation, commissioning, training and ongoing support for the project.